About Rugby at Exeter
The University of Exeter Rugby Football Club is one of the most storied and competitive sports clubs at the university, playing in the professional context of a city that is home to Exeter Chiefs — Premiership champions. The men's 1st XV compete in the BUCS South West Premier Division with high-quality coaching, video analysis, and sports science support that reflects the professional rugby environment the city provides. Five BUCS teams in total give competitive rugby to players from elite to recreational. The women's programme has grown significantly with two competitive XVs. The strong team culture and the physical demands of rugby mean squad social bonds at Exeter are among the closest of any club — Pennsylvania Road and its surrounding streets are effectively the rugby squad's neighbourhood.
Club History
EURFC has competed at the top of South West university rugby for decades. The professional success of Exeter Chiefs — Premiership champions and European runners-up — has elevated the rugby culture of the entire city, and the university club benefits directly from this environment. Coaches with Premiership connections, facilities shared with the regional rugby infrastructure, and a city that lives and breathes rugby all contribute to a programme that genuinely develops players. Several alumni have played at National One and Championship level, and some have been involved with the Chiefs Academy.
Joining the Rugby Club
Freshers' trials in September across multiple sessions. All teams trial simultaneously with players placed based on position-specific ability. Pre-season fitness is a factor — the physical demands of rugby are assessed alongside technical quality. Arrive in good shape. Social and minis rugby runs year-round for those who want rugby without the full BUCS competitive commitment.
Training
Men's 1st XV trains Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Streatham Sports Park, 90–120 minutes per session. Development XVs train on alternative evenings. BUCS fixtures on Wednesday afternoons — away fixtures require early campus departure. Women's training follows a similar twice-per-week structure. Gym and strength work is integral to all squad training programmes.
BUCS Competition
Men's 1st XV in BUCS South West Premier Division. BUCS fixtures October–April with top finishers advancing to promotion playoffs or BUCS Championship rounds. Women's programme in BUCS Women's South West Conference. The BUCS Rugby structure runs alongside the university's participation in annual varsity fixtures.
Teams
Highlights & Alumni
Men's 1st XV in BUCS South West Premier, challenging for promotion in recent seasons. Alumni playing at National One and Championship level. Women's programme growing significantly. Exeter Chiefs' success creates a professional rugby culture in the city that directly benefits the university club.
Tips for Prospective Members
- Arrive at trials in good pre-season physical condition — the physical demands are assessed alongside technical quality
- Book Pennsylvania Road in October/November of first year — rugby squad houses here are the most in-demand properties on the Gillams portfolio
- Large houses (6–9 beds) are the norm for rugby squads — form your group early and commit to a viewing together
- Video analysis sessions with the coaching staff at 1st XV level are a significant development opportunity — attend all of them
- Women's rugby at Exeter is growing rapidly — female students with rugby backgrounds should contact the club before arriving
Student Accommodation for Rugby Players
Pennsylvania Road is the EURFC heartland — and has been for decades. The road and surrounding streets (Thornton Hill, Sylvan Road) consistently house large rugby squad groups of 6–9 students. The physical recovery demands of rugby — sleep, nutrition, space — make large houses essential rather than optional. The community atmosphere on these streets during the rugby season is unlike any other in Exeter student sport. Booking in October/November of first year is absolutely essential.
View Properties Near the University →Popular Areas for Rugby Players
Most University of Exeter rugby players live in one of these student areas — all within easy reach of Streatham Campus and Sports Park:
Related Sports at Exeter University
If you play rugby you may also be interested in these Exeter University clubs:
Frequently Asked Questions
What level does Exeter University Rugby 1st XV play at?
BUCS South West Premier Division — the highest regional university rugby level, with promotion challenges toward the BUCS Premier League national stage in recent seasons.
Does Exeter University have women's rugby?
Yes — 1st and 2nd XVs competing in the BUCS Women's South West Conference. The women's programme has grown significantly with university investment.
Does Exeter University Rugby have connections to Exeter Chiefs?
The clubs are separate organisations, but Exeter Chiefs' professional success has created a rugby culture in the city that directly benefits the university club — coaching connections, facility sharing, and a city-wide rugby environment.
When are rugby trials at the University of Exeter?
September freshers' trials across multiple sessions. All XVs trial simultaneously with players placed based on position-specific assessment.
Where do Exeter University rugby players live?
Pennsylvania Road is the EURFC heartland — consistently home to rugby squad groups of 6–9 students per house. The surrounding streets (Thornton Hill, Sylvan Road) are also popular. Book in October/November.
What makes Exeter University Rugby distinctive?
Training in the home city of Exeter Chiefs creates a professional rugby environment unlike most UK universities. Coaching staff with Premiership connections, strong facilities, and a city that takes rugby seriously.